Washington telegraph., 1863-06-17

VIcKsRURa.-For thu, last week we
have received but littlea dditional intelli-
geuce from the armies a round Vicksburg.
There is evidently hall in the operations
there. 1t is not the aim which follows
the storm, but the deathly stiffness which
precedes the thunder stroke, and the re-
newed fury of the tempest.
Meanwhile, many of the early rumors
have been confirmed, and others proven
false. We can now see little clearer
into events, and form some conception of
the condition of affairs. We can prophecy
nothing-good or evil. We were never
sansuine of the result of particular events
and have learned to brace our micd in
advance against the strokes of nisfor.
tune.
This much is evident. The Federals
have at length accomplished their great
preliminary objees-rhat for which they
have all the winter been digging canals.
and nosing about the bayous with their
gunboats and corps of pioneers with axes.
They have obtained possession of the Mis-
slsslppl river below Ficksburg, cut off our
communication between the East and
west, gotten In the rear of Vicksburg
and have base of operations on the va
zoo, through which supplies and reinforce
ments may be safely had. without danger
from our batteries.
On the other ha"d there is reason to
hope that, with all these advantages
Grant may yet fail in the great and vital
| OBJECT upon which the fate of his army
depends-the capture of Vicksburg Hav-
lug gained his position SO long desired
and so ardently struggled for, he yet finds
himself Incapable of taking the city by
assault He has made repeated efforts.
Seven times, if net oftener, he has hurled
his troops, sometimes maddened with al
cohol, against the entertainments, aud
each time has been repuised with slaug H.
ter, unparalleled almost in the history of
wars. He seems to have relinquished the
effort, and has set down with his army
behind the city, with his right resting
upon the Iazoo. Our troops in the world
renowned citadel have remained counpara-
lively secure, aud yet bid defiance to the
armies by land, and the immense feet of
iron -clads upon the water 1t is sublime
spectacle. Glorious Vicksbu-g,
'.Yet she stands
fortress formed to Freedoms hands,
Whilst they thus hold out, Johnston in
the rear of the Federal army is organzin
and gathering our forces from all quarters
to attack them and raise the seige Can
he only be quick enough? God grant it.
For woe be to Grant on the day when
Johnston is ready, if that should happen
before Vicksburg falls from famine. Never
army yet suffered such defeat as awaits
him then. The stunning blow will be
felt at W ashington, and recognized over
the civilized world
Johnston will not rick defeat. 1t is
only question of time, and a contest of
speed in reinforcements, between him aud
Grant. If the provisions of Vicksburg
hold out until Johnston is in a condition
to fight, she is saved and The enemy de-
stroyed. If not she is lost, and we-but
little worse than before For chr armies
remain to press tn e enemy in other quar-.
tiers, and &C ntinue the battle OF Indepen-
dence. : ct Ms cheerfully and confidently
trust the wisdom of our generals, and the
bravery of our troops-and yet indulge
no foolish nor over -anguine spirit. We
cannot well bear the reaction of tn in.
to1ication of false hopes But the mind
which contemplates the chances of dis
aster, and is already braced to receive it,
remains "equal to either fate" and calmly
pursues its ends under clouds as well as
in the sunshine.