Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1863-01-13
THE SIEGE OF yICKsEURG NOT YET ADAM
DONED

CAIEo, Jan. 1.-THE special correspondent
of the New York World arrived here to-day,
having left the battle field on the Yazoo river
on the 4th, and coming up the river with the
feet of transports iron the scene Of operations
The bombardment of Hsin-s Bluff took place
On the 9th of December, and y severe skirmish
on the 2sth, in which the enemy was driven
into his works. On the 29th preparations were
made by Gene, al Sherman for a general assault
The brigades of Generals Bi.ir, DE Course,
Thayer, and -, were selected to storm the
enemy's works.
On Morday q most furious cannonading
opened on both sides, lasting until tie after
noon, and doing fearful execution on boti,
sides. At o'clock a char re was made amidst
a storm Of shells and bullets from all sides
The rebel defences consisted Of slough abatt s,
earthworks, and. rifle pits, covering the road
through which our troops were compelled to
advance.
Brigadier General Blair took the lead, and
advanced with a most furious charge 70 the
highest tier OF intrenchments, wler8 he was
met by an erwhelming force OF rebels, and,
after hand-to-hand conflict of nearly two
hours, In which the loss was most disastrous,
he was compelled to fall back for want of
proper and timely support from the right and
reserves.
The carnage was fearful, each foot of ground
was contested, inch by inch, with determined
resistance. General Blair was conspicuous,
Drawing danger, urging his men, and cheering
them TO hold out until they should be relieved;
but their bravery was OF no avail. The enemy
far outnumbered the assaultiRg force, and
could meet our troops undrr cover of their
earthwork and their well planted and well
aimed batteries of shell and canister
The total loss in the engagement was I 500
killed and wounded, including coo prisoner.
No general officers were killed. Had the sup
port been promptly sent forward, the stormin o
m nj limo Xiv ,;o
easily and captured the entire fortifications
AT nlghtfall our forces retired without mo-
lesiatlon TO the position previously occupied.
On January l, General Sherman sent nag of
truce, asking leave to bury our dead which
was granted.
The scene on the field was CHASTITY to behold.
The bodies Of the dead had been entirely strip
ped, and robbed Of every article of Clothing
and boots and shoes.
During the continuation of the flag Of truce,
the rebels state that Port Hudson had been at.
tackled by General Banks expedition, and the
rebels had driven them off.
The rebels also declared that all the officers
falling into their hands would be shot ana the
soldiers taken would be compelled to labor on
their forhdcations, in retaliation OF President
Lincoln's proclamation
On January I'd, Steele's division was to have
attacked Harper's BLUM, but the purpose was
frustrated by dense fog which hung over the
On the Sd, the position was abandoned, and
our troops re-embarked on boats, the rebels
nrlbg upon us Whlle departing, but the gun
boats opened. upon them, and they scattered
pr cipitately.
The retrograde movement was de cided upon
on account Of our receiving no information Of
Gen Banks cooperation, and in fear Of danger
from above.
There is great indignation felt at Sherman's
evident mismanagement, and he has been su.
perseded by McClernsnd, who is assuming
command Of the forces.
The siege of Vicksburg has been by no means
abandoned. The city is yet to be taken, but the
present force of the rebels, known TO be at least
$4,000 strong, behind their Notifications, will
render new combination necessary. From
the nature Of the works, it is evident that the
rebels have made every preparation for pre-
serving this main artery Of circulation with
the West.